Summit Rank for Venturers for 2024

The Venturing Summit rank is the pinnacle of achievement in the Venturing program. It represents the highest honor that a Venturer can attain. To earn the Summit Rank, a Venturer must demonstrate exceptional leadership and mentoring skills. This prestigious award recognizes those who have gone above and beyond in their commitment to personal growth and service to others.

In addition to being a leader and mentor, a Venturer pursuing the Summit Rank must also design and lead a service project that benefits their community or a specific group of people. This requirement highlights the importance of giving back and making a positive impact on the world around us.

It is important to note that the Summit Rank is not easily earned. It is reserved for the most elite Venturers who have shown exceptional dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to the values of the Venturing program. Those who achieve the Summit award have truly distinguished themselves and are recognized as role models within the Venturing community.

In the following sections, we will explore the specific requirements and guidelines for earning the Summit Rank. From adventure and mentoring training to leadership and service, each requirement plays a crucial role in shaping Venturers into well-rounded individuals who are prepared to make a difference in the world. So let’s dive in and discover the path to achieving the Venturing Summit rank.

See the Full Requirements for the Summit Rank

To see the full requirements for the Summit Rank, Venturers can visit the official BSA website. It is crucial to use the most up-to-date requirements to ensure that all criteria are met. The BSA website provides detailed information on each requirement, including specific guidelines and expectations. By accessing the official requirements, Venturers can stay informed and ensure they are on the right track to earning the prestigious Summit Rank. Remember, staying updated with the current requirements is essential for a successful journey towards achieving this highest honor in the Venturing program.

Summit Rank Workbook/Worksheet

The Summit Rank Workbook/Worksheet is an essential tool for Venturers on their journey to earning the prestigious Summit Rank. This comprehensive resource provides a structured framework to track progress and stay organized throughout the process. By utilizing the workbook, Venturers can easily document their adventures, leadership experiences, service projects, and reflections. It serves as a guide, ensuring that all requirements are met and providing a clear path towards achieving the Summit Rank. The workbook also offers valuable insights and prompts for self-reflection, helping Venturers develop important skills and qualities along the way. Don’t miss out on the benefits of using this invaluable resource.

This requirement emphasizes the importance of participating in adventurous activities to develop leadership and teamwork skills.

Venturers are expected to participate in at least three additional Tier II or Tier III adventures, in addition to the four adventures required for the Pathfinder Rank. These adventures can take place at the crew, district, council, area, regional, or national level. It is crucial for Venturers to actively engage in these adventures to gain valuable experiences and broaden their horizons.

To meet the Summit Rank requirement, Venturers must have participated in at least one Tier III adventure. These high-level adventures provide Venturers with opportunities to challenge themselves physically and mentally, pushing their limits and fostering personal growth. Additionally, Venturers are required to serve as a leader during one adventure, allowing them to develop their leadership skills and take on responsibilities within their crew.

By participating in a variety of adventures and taking on leadership roles, Venturers not only fulfill the Summit Rank requirement but also gain valuable experiences that shape their character and prepare them for future challenges. Adventure is a fundamental aspect of the Venturing program, providing opportunities for personal growth, teamwork, and self-discovery.

Mentoring is a crucial aspect of leadership within the Venturing program and can occur in various circumstances. BSA Mentoring Training is specifically designed to equip Venturers with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively mentor other members of their crew.

The training aims to help Venturers understand the significance of mentoring in personal growth and leadership development for both the mentor and mentee. By completing this training, Venturers will be able to evaluate mentoring within the Venturing program, recognize the benefits of mentoring, and understand how to maintain a high-quality mentoring relationship.

Additionally, the training covers the evolution of a mentoring relationship, providing Venturers with insights into the different stages and dynamics that may occur. It also emphasizes the importance of effective communication and learning conversations in mentoring, allowing Venturers to model and practice these skills.

By participating in Mentoring Training, Venturers gain valuable knowledge and skills that enable them to become effective mentors within their crew. This requirement not only contributes to their personal growth but also enhances their leadership abilities, preparing them for future challenges and responsibilities.

In summary, completing Mentoring Training is an essential step for Venturers pursuing the Summit Rank. It equips them with the necessary tools to mentor others effectively, fostering personal growth and leadership development within the Venturing program.

To fulfill Summit Requirement 3, Venturers must take on the responsibility of mentoring another Venturer in the planning and execution of a Venturing activity. This mentoring opportunity allows Venturers to apply their leadership skills and guide their mentee through the process of organizing and implementing a crew, council, area, regional, or national Venturing activity.

The mentor’s role is to work closely with the mentee, ensuring they are adequately prepared to lead the activity. This involves assisting them in organizing the necessary resources, developing a comprehensive itinerary, conducting training sessions to support the adventure, and addressing any potential risks or contingencies that may arise.

Once the adventure is underway, the mentor actively participates in the activity and provides valuable feedback on how the adventure was conducted. This feedback helps the mentee reflect on their leadership abilities and identify areas for improvement.

By mentoring another Venturer in the planning and implementation of a Venturing activity, Venturers not only contribute to the growth and development of their mentee but also enhance their own leadership skills. This requirement provides an opportunity for Venturers to gain practical experience in guiding and supporting others, fostering a sense of responsibility and accountability within the Venturing program.

Overall, Summit Requirement 3 emphasizes the importance of mentorship and the role it plays in developing strong leaders within the Venturing community. Through this requirement, Venturers have the chance to make a positive impact on their peers while furthering their own personal and leadership growth.

Option 1: Serve actively in a crew leadership position for at least six months.

Venturers can choose from a variety of positions such as crew president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, or den chief. It is important to work closely with the crew president or Advisor at the beginning of the term to set performance goals for the position.

These goals will help guide the Venturer’s efforts and ensure they are making a meaningful impact in their role. Throughout the six-month period, Venturers should actively engage in their responsibilities, demonstrating their leadership abilities and taking initiative to contribute to the success of the crew. It is also important to have regular discussions with the crew president or Advisor to reflect on successes and challenges faced during the term, allowing for continuous growth and improvement.

Option 2: Participate in or serve on staff for leadership training programs.

Venturers can choose from a range of leadership training opportunities such as National Youth Leadership Training , Kodiak Challenge, National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience, Order of the Arrow National Leadership Seminar, Sea Scout SEAL Training, or Wood Badge (for Venturers 18 or older).

These programs provide valuable learning experiences and help develop essential leadership skills. Venturers should actively engage in the training, participate in group activities, and take advantage of the opportunities to learn from experienced leaders. It is important to note that the training course chosen for this requirement must be different from the one completed for Pathfinder Rank requirement 4b or Summit Rank requirement 4c. By participating in these leadership training programs, Venturers gain valuable knowledge and skills that can be applied not only within their crew but also in other areas of their lives.

Option 3: Lead the delivery of Introduction to Leadership Skills for Crews.

Venturers can take on the responsibility of organizing and leading this training course for members of their Venturing crew or another local Venturing crew, or even for a local district or council training event.

This option provides an opportunity for Venturers to share their knowledge and experiences with others, helping to build the skill set of their crew members. Venturers should work closely with their crew Advisor to plan and organize the training course, ensuring that it covers the necessary topics and provides a valuable learning experience for the participants. After leading the training course, it is important to have a discussion with the crew Advisor to reflect on the experience and discuss how the Venturer believes they helped build the skill set of their crew. This reflection allows for personal growth and helps identify areas for improvement in future leadership endeavors.

Venturers may also substitute district, council, area, regional, or national Venturing officer or cabinet positions for the crew leadership positions listed in this requirement. This provides an opportunity for Venturers to take on leadership roles at a higher level within the Venturing program, contributing to the growth and development of Venturing on a larger scale.

To fulfill Summit Requirement 5, Venturers are tasked with planning, developing, and giving leadership to others in a service project that benefits a religious institution, school, or community. It is important to note that the project must benefit an organization other than the Boy Scouts of America. Before embarking on the service project, Venturers must have their project proposal approved by the organization benefiting from the effort, their Advisor, and another Venturer designated by their crew leadership. Here are some practical tips to help Venturers successfully complete this requirement:

• Choose a Meaningful Project: Select a service project that aligns with your interests and passions. Consider the needs of the religious institution, school, or community you wish to serve and identify areas where your skills and resources can make a significant impact. By choosing a project that resonates with you, you will be more motivated and dedicated to its successful completion.
• Plan and Organize: Develop a detailed plan for your service project, outlining the objectives, timeline, and necessary resources. Break down the project into manageable tasks and assign responsibilities to team members. Effective planning and organization will ensure a smooth execution and maximize the impact of your efforts.
• Seek Approval: Before initiating the project, obtain approval from the organization benefiting from your service, your Advisor, and another Venturer designated by your crew leadership. This step is crucial to ensure that your project meets the requirements and aligns with the goals of the organization.
• Mobilize Resources: Identify the resources required for your service project, such as materials, equipment, and volunteers. Reach out to local businesses, community organizations, and fellow Venturers to secure the necessary support. Effective resource mobilization will contribute to the success and sustainability of your project.
• Execute and Lead: Take charge of the project and provide leadership to your team. Delegate tasks, provide guidance, and ensure that everyone is working towards the common goal. As a leader, it is important to lead by example, inspire others, and maintain a positive and inclusive environment.

Example service projects that Venturers can consider include renovating a community center, conducting a clothing donation campaign for underprivileged individuals, or creating a community garden. These projects not only benefit the organization or community but also provide valuable opportunities for personal growth, teamwork, and leadership development.

By successfully completing Summit Requirement 5, Venturers demonstrate their commitment to service and make a positive impact on their religious institution, school, or community. Through their service projects, Venturers learn the importance of giving back and develop essential skills that will serve them well in their future endeavors.

To fulfill Summit Requirement 6, Venturers are required to engage in a structured personal reflection. This reflection serves as a preparation for goal setting and is an integral part of the Advisor conference. Venturers are encouraged to explore two of the following realms: “Adventures of Faith,” “Adventures of Self,” or “Adventures of Others.” They have the option to either explore one realm twice or select two different realms.

The first realm, “Development of Self,” involves analyzing one’s strengths and limitations, wants and needs, and creating a plan to address a self-improvement goal. This could include committing to becoming physically fit, completing an online computer science course, learning to horseback ride, or any goal that promotes personal skill development and self-improvement.

The second realm, “Development of Others,” focuses on assessing relationships and how one serves others. Venturers can commit to organizing a clothing drive for a homeless shelter, teaching Sunday school for preschoolers, building a storage shed for the crew’s equipment, or any goal that promotes skill development while serving others.

The third realm, “Development of Faith,” provides an opportunity to explore one’s values, morals, and delve deeper into one’s faith or expand one’s worldview through the exploration of spirituality, faith-based practices, and organized religions. Venturers can complete the TRUST Award, commit to reading a sacred text, organize or participate in a mission trip, or set any goal that promotes personal growth through an exploration of faith.

By engaging in this structured personal reflection, Venturers gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their relationships with others, and their faith or worldview. This reflection process allows them to set meaningful goals and have more productive Advisor conferences, ultimately contributing to their personal growth and development as individuals.

To fulfill Summit Requirement 7, Venturers are tasked with creating a personal code of conduct. This code of conduct should be guided by their explorations in the realms of faith, self, and others.

Creating a personal code of conduct is an opportunity for Venturers to reflect on their values, beliefs, and principles. It serves as a moral compass that guides their actions and decisions in various aspects of life.

When developing a personal code of conduct, Venturers should consider their experiences and learnings from the realms of faith, self, and others. From their exploration of faith, they can incorporate principles of compassion, forgiveness, and integrity into their code. From their self-development journey, they can include values such as perseverance, honesty, and continuous learning. And from their interactions with others, they can emphasize respect, empathy, and inclusivity.

It is important for Venturers to take the time to reflect on their own values and beliefs and to consider how they want to live their lives. They should think about the kind of person they aspire to be and the impact they want to have on the world around them. By creating a personal code of conduct, Venturers can align their actions with their values and strive to live a purposeful and meaningful life.

Remember, the personal code of conduct should be unique to each individual, reflecting their own beliefs and values. It should serve as a guide for making ethical decisions and navigating challenges in various aspects of life.

In Summit Requirement 8, Venturers are challenged to lead an ethical controversy and conflict resolution scenario with members of their Venturing crew. This requirement provides an opportunity for Venturers to explore and engage in discussions about complex ethical issues that they may encounter in their personal and professional lives.

See some examples.

One example of an ethical controversy scenario is the “Jobs Versus Birds” vignette. In this scenario, Venturers are presented with a dilemma involving the protection of the northern spotted owl under the Endangered Species Act and the potential loss of logging jobs and related industries. As the owner of a small retail business in Oregon, the Venturer must decide whether to financially support a legal challenge to the Endangered Species Act.

This scenario raises important questions about the balance between environmental conservation and economic considerations. On one hand, the Venturer may be concerned about the environmental destruction caused by logging and the long-term sustainability of the logging industry. They may believe that protecting the owl and the environment is crucial for the well-being of society as a whole.

On the other hand, the Venturer may also recognize the significant impact that the loss of logging jobs would have on families, elderly individuals, and the local economy. They may argue that sacrificing livelihoods for the sake of protecting a single species of owl is not justified, especially considering the potential economic hardships that could result.

It is important for Venturers to defend their position in this ethical controversy scenario by considering the various perspectives and values at play. They should articulate their reasoning based on their own beliefs, values, and the information provided in the scenario. Venturers should also consider the potential consequences of their decision and how it aligns with their personal code of conduct.

By engaging in ethical controversies and conflict resolution scenarios like this, Venturers develop critical thinking skills, empathy, and the ability to navigate complex ethical dilemmas. These experiences help them become ethical leaders who can make informed decisions and consider the broader impact of their actions.

In the next section, we will explore Summit Requirement 9: Advisor Conference, where Venturers will have the opportunity to share their personal code of conduct and discuss how their explorations of faith, self, and others influenced its development.

Participating in an Advisor conference is a crucial step in completing Summit Requirement 9. During this conference, Venturers have the opportunity to share their code of conduct with their Advisor and discuss how their explorations of faith, self, and others, as well as their goal-setting exercises, influenced the development of their code.

Sharing your code of conduct with your Advisor allows for a deeper understanding of your values and principles. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the experiences and challenges that have shaped your personal code of conduct. By discussing your explorations of faith, self, and others, you can gain valuable insights and perspectives from your Advisor, who can offer guidance and support.

The Advisor conference is a safe space for open and honest conversations. It is important to be transparent and authentic when sharing your code of conduct. Discuss the values and beliefs that are important to you and how they align with the principles of Venturing. Explain how your experiences and goal-setting exercises have influenced your decision-making process and the development of your code.

Remember, the personal reflection associated with “Adventures of Faith” is not required to be shared during the Advisor conference or the board of review. However, it is encouraged to discuss the impact of these adventures on your personal growth and development.

By actively participating in the Advisor conference and sharing your code of conduct, you demonstrate your commitment to personal growth and ethical leadership. This requirement helps you refine your values, strengthen your decision-making skills, and further develop your understanding of the principles that guide your actions as a Venturer.

After your Advisor conference, successfully completing a crew board of review is the final step in fulfilling Summit Requirement 11. The crew board of review provides an opportunity for Venturers to reflect on their entire Summit journey and discuss their experiences, growth, and achievements with a panel of adult leaders.

During the crew board of review, you will have the chance to share how the Summit requirements have impacted your personal development and leadership skills. This is a time to reflect on the challenges you faced, the lessons you learned, and the ways in which you have grown as a Venturer.

The board of review panel will ask you questions about your adventures, mentoring experiences, leadership roles, and service projects. They will also inquire about your code of conduct and ethical decision-making process. Be prepared to provide specific examples and anecdotes that highlight your growth and development throughout the Summit journey.

The crew board of review is not meant to be a test or evaluation, but rather a supportive and constructive conversation. The panel members are there to listen, provide feedback, and offer guidance for your future endeavors. They want to ensure that you have met the requirements and have truly embraced the values and principles of Venturing.

By successfully completing the crew board of review, you demonstrate your readiness to be recognized as a Summit awardee. It signifies your commitment to personal growth, ethical leadership, and service to others. The board of review is a significant milestone in your Venturing journey, marking the culmination of your efforts and the beginning of new adventures and opportunities.

Pathfinder Rank

The Venturing Pathfinder Rank, a pivotal step in the Venturing journey, is designed to challenge and engage young adults in advanced leadership and service experiences. As the rank preceding the prestigious Summit Award, Pathfinder emphasizes personal growth and skill development. Venturers pursuing this rank undertake significant responsibilities, including planning and leading crew activities, developing community service projects, and enhancing their outdoor skills. The rank requires mastery of emergency preparedness and focuses on fostering ethical decision-making. By completing the Pathfinder requirements, Venturers demonstrate their commitment to the Venturing program’s core ideals of adventure, leadership, personal growth, and service. This achievement sets a strong foundation for the Summit Award, the apex of a Venturer’s journey.

What is the Venturing Summit award?

The Venturing Summit award is the highest recognition in the Venturing program. It signifies a Venturer’s commitment to personal growth, leadership, and service.

How do I qualify for the Venturing Summit award?

To qualify for the Venturing Summit award, you must complete a series of requirements. These requirements include adventure, mentoring training, mentoring another Venturer, leadership, service, reflection, code of conduct, ethical controversies, advisor conference, and crew board of review.

Can I work on the Summit requirements individually or do I need to be part of a crew?

You work on the Summit requirements as part of a crew. Some requirements, such as mentoring another Venturer and leadership, require collaboration with others.

How long does it take to complete the Summit requirements?

The time it takes to complete the Summit requirements varies for each Venturer. It depends on factors such as your availability, commitment, and the complexity of the requirements. It is recommended to plan and pace yourself accordingly.

What is the purpose of the crew board of review?

The crew board of review is the final step in fulfilling Summit Requirement 11. It provides an opportunity for Venturers to reflect on their entire Summit journey and discuss their experiences, growth, and achievements with a panel of peers.

How should I prepare for the crew board of review?

To prepare for the crew board of review, take the time to reflect on your adventures, mentoring experiences, leadership roles, and service projects. Be ready to share specific examples and anecdotes that highlight your growth and development throughout the Summit journey.

What kind of questions will the board of review panel ask?

The board of review panel will ask you questions about your experiences, challenges, and lessons learned during your Summit journey. They may inquire about your adventures, mentoring experiences, leadership roles, service projects, code of conduct, and ethical decision-making process.

What happens after I successfully complete the crew board of review?

After successfully completing the crew board of review, you demonstrate your readiness to be recognized as a Summit awardee. This marks the culmination of your efforts and the beginning of new adventures and opportunities in your Venturing journey.

Can I wear the Summit award on my uniform?

Yes, once you have earned the Venturing Summit award, you are entitled to wear the Summit award on your Venturing uniform. It is a symbol of your achievements and commitment to the Venturing program.

How can I inspire other Venturers to pursue the Summit award?

You can inspire other Venturers to pursue the Summit award by sharing your experiences, challenges, and growth throughout your Summit journey. Encourage them to set goals, embrace leadership opportunities, and engage in meaningful service projects.

To sum it all up, earning the Venturing Summit award is a significant achievement that represents a Venturer’s dedication to personal growth, leadership, and service. It is the highest recognition in the Venturing program and serves as a testament to the hard work and commitment of the individual.

Throughout the Summit journey, Venturers engage in a series of requirements that encompass various aspects of their development. From embarking on adventures and receiving mentoring training to mentoring other Venturers and demonstrating leadership skills, each requirement plays a crucial role in shaping the Venturer’s character and abilities.

Service is another key component of the Summit requirements, as it allows Venturers to give back to their communities and make a positive impact. Reflection and the adherence to a code of conduct and ethical decision-making process further enhance the Venturer’s understanding of themselves and their role in society.

The culmination of the Summit journey is the crew board of review, where Venturers have the opportunity to reflect on their experiences and achievements. This final step provides a platform for Venturers to share their growth and receive feedback from a panel of adult leaders.

Earning the Venturing Summit award is not just about the recognition, but also about the personal growth and development that comes with it. It is a symbol of the Venturer’s dedication, perseverance, and commitment to making a difference in their own lives and the lives of others.

In conclusion, the Venturing Summit award is a prestigious accomplishment that represents the culmination of a Venturer’s journey towards personal growth, leadership, and service. It is a testament to their dedication and commitment to making a positive impact in their communities and beyond.